A Rangers jawan was martyred after alleged firing by workers of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during unrest in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred after JAAC activists reportedly attempted to march towards the city on Monday night.
According to police, JAAC workers attacked a security checkpoint during the march. Officials said the firing resulted in the martyrdom of Rangers jawan Ali Raza and left three police personnel injured.
Authorities also alleged that protesters set two police and Rangers vehicles on fire during the violence. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies launched efforts to restore order in the area.
Authorities Vow Action After Deadly Clash
Law enforcement agencies said they would enforce the writ of the state and take action against those responsible for the violence. They also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials have not yet released further details regarding additional arrests or the ongoing investigation. However, security has been tightened following the deadly confrontation.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions after the first phase of the AJK elections. Several constituencies also witnessed clashes and allegations of electoral irregularities.
Fazlur Rehman Condemns Use of Force
Reacting to the incident, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the reported firing on protesters by law enforcement personnel. He described firing on unarmed demonstrators as unacceptable and claimed the people of AJK had rejected what he called rigged elections.
Fazlur Rehman said peaceful protest remained a constitutional right and questioned whether AJK residents were being denied the right to raise their concerns. He also criticised state institutions for failing to resolve the situation before tensions escalated.
The JUI-F chief further questioned the practice of labelling people demanding their rights as foreign agents. Additionally, he expressed solidarity with the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and condemned what he described as injustices against them.
